Truck Driver PR in Canada, Certainly, it is feasible. Canada has been experiencing a significant scarcity of labor for numerous years. While certain sectors have a surplus of employees, others are earnestly trying to occupy crucial roles. Among these industries, Canada’s trucking sector has been particularly impacted by the labor shortages.
Truckers have a vital responsibility in maintaining the flow of supply chains and the smooth functioning of businesses. Hence, trucking companies are continuously seeking additional drivers. It is projected that there will be approximately 30,000 job openings for truckers in Canada in 2023. Furthermore, this number is anticipated to rise to 50,000 job openings in the following year.
The Canadian government has made efforts to address these vacancies by permitting foreign truckers to come to Canada and acquire permanent residence through the Express Entry system. This guide will explore the steps and methods for utilizing Express Entry for truck drivers.
Express Entry for Truck Drivers in Canada
Last year, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) enhanced its National Occupational Classification system to better categorize various job roles. The update incorporates a new NOC “TEER” system, which encompasses trucking occupations, including transport truck drivers, under NOC 73300.
The TEER code for this truck driver belongs to the TEER 3 category within the Express Entry system. Therefore, if you were questioning whether a truck driver can obtain Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada through Express Entry, the answer is affirmative. Thanks to the NOC system update, truck drivers now have a pathway to Canadian PR by utilizing the Federal Skilled Worker Program under the Express Entry system.
How to Get Truck Driver PR in Canada Through Express Entry?
You may be curious whether a truck driver is classified as a skilled worker or a skilled trade worker under the Express Entry system. According to the recent NOC update, a truck driver is considered a skilled worker and is eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
In some cases, a foreign truck driver can apply for trucking PR in Canada through Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class program.
Let’s examine both these programs and how they can be used for truck driver immigration in Canada.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class is an Express Entry program designed for professionals with prior work experience in Canada. Foreign truck drivers who have worked for at least one year full-time in a NOC 73300 role in Canada and achieved a minimum of CLB 5 in a language proficiency exam are qualified to apply for this program.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker is an additional Express Entry program intended to attract skilled professionals to Canada. Foreign truck drivers are eligible to apply for this program if they have completed at least one year of full-time work in a NOC 73300 role outside Canada and have achieved a minimum of CLB 7 in a language proficiency exam.
This program awards applicants points based on their background and experience, so truckers with additional work experience, educational qualifications, and high language proficiency exams stand a greater chance of being invited to apply for permanent residence.
How to Get Truck Driver PR in Canada Through a Provincial Nominee Program?
Yes, a truck driver can obtain Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Several Canadian provinces offer immigration programs specifically tailored for foreign truck drivers. These programs may present eligible opportunities for truck drivers to apply for PR.
British Columbia
Truck drivers are eligible to apply for British Columbia’s Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) program since their truck driver NOC code in Canada aligns with the program’s criteria. However, applicants must also fulfill additional requirements, which include:
- Intending to live in British Columbia
- Presenting an economic benefit to British Columbia
- Scoring a minimum of CLB 4 in a language proficiency exam
- Possessing a valid Canadian immigration status
- Possessing a signed full-time job offer letter from a Canadian employer
- Possessing a high school diploma
Possessing a minimum of two years of work experience in long-haul trucking in the past three years
Ontario
Ontario offers PR for trucker drivers under its In-Demand Skills program. Those who wish to apply for truck driver PR in Ontario must meet the following requirements:
- Intending to live in Ontario
- Possessing a signed full-time job offer letter from a Canadian employer
- Have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) and have received an invitation to apply
- Possessing a minimum of nine months of full-time work experience in Ontario in the three years preceding their application
- Scoring a minimum of CLB 4 in a language proficiency exam
- Possessing a high school diploma
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan provides a special immigration program known as the Long-Haul Truck Driver Project, which grants Permanent Residence (PR) opportunities for truck drivers in Canada. Truckers who wish to apply for this program must meet the following requirements:
- Possessing a Canadian work permit that is valid for a minimum of six months and was obtained after receiving a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment
- Being employed by a trucking firm that has received the Saskatchewan Government’s approval
- Possessing a full-time job offer for a permanent position
- Possessing a Class 1A license for the Saskatchewan province
- Possessing a valid job approval letter under the provincial nominee program.
- Scoring a minimum of CLB 4 in a language proficiency exam
New Brunswick
New Brunswick offers immigration for professionals with truck drivers NOC code 73300 through its Skilled Workers Stream. Truckers can apply for this program if they meet the following requirements:
- Intending to reside in New Brunswick
- Possessing a minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience in a NOC TEER 73300 job with at least six months of continuous work in New Brunswick.
- Possessing a valid New Brunswick Driver’s license
- Possessing a valid Canadian work permit
- Possessing a signed full-time job offer letter from a New Brunswick employer
Scoring a minimum of CLB 4 in a language proficiency exam
Other PNPs
Many other Canadian provinces also offer PR for truck drivers in Canada. You can find information on these Provincial Nominee Programs here: PNP for Truck Drivers in Canada.
LMIA Work Permit to PR
Another route for truck drivers to obtain permanent residency in Canada is through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) based work permit. This process involves Canadian employers following a specific procedure to hire foreign workers, including truck drivers. Through the LMIA, truck drivers may have the opportunity to work in Canada and eventually apply for permanent residency.
In the LMIA process, a Canadian employer undertakes the procedure to show that they are hiring a foreign worker, such as a truck driver, because no Canadian workers are available to fill the position. Once the employer receives a positive LMIA, they can proceed to hire the foreign trucker and assist them in applying for a work permit. This work permit allows the truck driver to work in Canada and potentially pave the way for their journey towards permanent residency.
In certain scenarios, obtaining an LMIA job offer may be sufficient for a truck driver to apply for Canadian permanent residence through provincial nominee programs. On the other hand, in some cases, truck drivers can utilize their work permit to acquire work experience in Canada, and subsequently, they can apply for permanent residence through one of the Express Entry routes designed specifically for truck drivers. These pathways offer different options for truck drivers to pursue their goal of obtaining permanent residency in Canada.
Basic Truck Driver Requirements in Canada
You must ensure you possess the basic requirements to work as a qualified truck driver in Canada before attempting to perform this role. These requirements include:
- Completing high school
- Completing on-the-job training
- Completing an accredited driver’s training course that is up to three months in length at a vocational school or community college
- Possessing a Class 3 or D license if you will be driving straight-body trucks
- Possessing a Class 1 or A license if you will be driving long combination vehicles
- Possessing a brake endorsement if you will be operating a vehicle with air brakes
- Possessing transportation of dangerous goods certification if you will be transporting dangerous products
- Possessing special licenses or certificates if you will be driving articulated trucks
Benefits of Being a Truck Driver in Canada
There are many enticing benefits associated with being a truck driver in Canada. This includes:
Acquiring Permanent Residence in Canada is possible through the various routes mentioned earlier. By obtaining permanent residence, you can enjoy the privilege of staying in Canada indefinitely and have the opportunity to settle in one of the most wonderful countries in the world.
High Salary
Truckers make an average of $46,000 per year in Canada. This is much higher than truck drivers’ salaries in most other countries.
Extra Insurance
Truck drivers working in Canada may receive additional insurance benefits. This includes health insurance coverage provided by their employer as well as coverage provided by the Canadian government. These insurance benefits aim to provide necessary support and security to truck drivers during their work in Canada.
Paid Vacation
Numerous trucking companies in Canada provide their drivers with paid time off. This allows you to enjoy a specific number of days off from work annually without any reduction in your salary.
Job Security
Truck drivers are essential workers in Canada, so you can be sure there will always be a high demand for workers in your occupation if you choose this field.
Getting Paid to Travel
Truck drivers get paid while travelling long distances on the road. This allows you to build up high savings and get to explore Canada’s natural beauty at the same time.
Need help?
If you wish to explore any of the permanent residency options for truck drivers mentioned earlier, kindly get in touch with Canserves Immigration. Our team of skilled Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants will evaluate your qualifications and background and assist you in preparing an application for the program that maximizes your chances of success. Begin your journey as a prosperous truck driver in Canada with the support of Canserves Immigration.